Let’s Talk Tape

In a previous blog post I talked about the “Airstream Sealants For Maintenance” (go here To Read).  In this blog post I want to talk about the different types of “TAPE” we should think about adding to our on the road Tool Kit and why it is important to do so.

Let begin with:

Teflon Tape (AKA pipe fitters tape)

The first thing you should know in that there is “Two Types”;  White – which is used for plumbing to seal threads for leaking water and Yellow – which is a bit thicker used for gas fittings, such as propane.

As I mentioned, Teflon tape is great for sealing leaking threads on plumbing. I use it routinely on all threaded water fittings, especially the drain plug for Blue Streak’s water heater to ensure a good seal.  Sometime the SHURFLO Wingnut Swivel Adapters may drip a bit and the Teflon tape will fix that.

3M Double-Sided Mounting Tape

3M Double Sided Heavy Duty Mounting Waterproof (VHB) Foam Tape is great for hanging basically anything on smooth surface especially where you don’t want to drill a hole. I’ve even used this to secure wires, the feet of my solar panels on the roof of Blue Streak.  Don’t kid yourself, this is a permanent mount not easily removed.

Masking Tape

I carry the “green” painter masking tape as it does not leave a film when removed.  Masking tape is great to  protect a surface you’re working on to guard against the OOPS! scratches. Needless to say the primary use is to provide a boundary edge when painting.

Duct Tape

Duct Tape has its uses such as doing any quick temporary repair on your furnace ducting.  Will hold up under high temperature. There is also different types of duct tape. We carry a fabric base type which also works for repairs to tarps and table shelter fabric.  However, when removed will leave some adhesive behind and becomes brittle with age.

Electrical Tape

This is handy to have when working on your electrical systems.  If I am using Wire Terminals Crimp/Spade Connectors I like to cover them with tape.

Silicone Tape

Silicone tape is one step up from “electrical tape”.  Besides being waterproof it doesn’t use adhesive to stick! (say what???).  Silicone Tape is self-fusing making it ideal for emergency repairs for plumbing, marine applications, hoses, electrical, indoor and outdoor applications.  This stuff is Flexible, Stretchable and conforms even to small pipe diameters, tight corners and bends, it sticks to itself when stretched.  Once on, the only way to get it off is to cut it. Since it has no adhesive it always comes off perfectly clean leaving no residue or film.  I use Silicone Tape for outdoor application to weather proof my job – such as the antenna connectors for our cell boost system.

Butyl Tape

This tape can be used as a sealant beneath roof vents and equipment installed on top of your trailer. It adheres to roof membranes and surfaces such as aluminium, glass, and galvanized steel. The tape seals gaps and prevents water leakage.  It sticks to almost everything, stays gooey for a long time and makes a long-lasting seal against air and water.

EternaBond Sealant Tape

This stuff will seal virtually any leak in an RV or mobile home. Economical and efficient, repair tapes come in many sizes and colours.  A backside liner ensures easy handling and application of the tape. This sealant tape is permanent, once applied it is on for good.  I’ve used it to overlay wiring on the roof of Blue Streak.

3M Extreme Sealing Tape 4412N

This tape is a translucent, 0.080 in (2.0 mm) thick tape featuring a flexible backing that easily conforms over screw heads, rivets, joints, splices, and other protrusions to provide protection from water intrusion. The durable, abrasion resistant backing makes this tape a good choice for outdoor applications were exposure to weather is a concern. Since it can be painted, you can match most existing colours to blend seamlessly into the surrounding area while retaining the water-tight bond. The soft, yet thick acrylic adhesive adheres immediately, allowing for quick application and eliminating unnecessary downtime. This adhesive not only bonds instantly to a variety of substrates, but it adheres well to itself in order to maintain a consistent seal while creating overlapping joints. A backside liner ensures easy handling and application of the tape.

I realise this can be a ‘sticky’ subject and coming up this year (2021) I’m also going to bring it all together with my personal take on the perfect? Tool Kit For The Road,  so stay tuned for this “EXCITING BLOG POST!” ?